A freshman at Copiague High School was killed Thursday while trying to cross Sunrise Highway in Copiague, the district confirmed Friday morning.

"Our high school suffered a terrible loss with the tragic passing of Amir Porterfield. We extend our deepest condolences to Amir's family and friends during this difficult time," said Superintendent Kathleen Bannon in a letter to parents.

Bannon added that parents are encouraged to reach out to school counselors and psychologists if their children are having a difficult time accepting the sudden loss. At school drop-off Friday, several students said they had just heard about Porterfield's passing, expressing shock as they had been with him the night before. The 15-year-old was playing football for the high school and was playing in a game Thursday before his passing, his teammates said.

According to Nassau police, Porterfield was trying to cross Sunrise Highway at 35th Street, when he was hit by a Lindenhurst woman driving a Subaru. The driver has been identified as Anne Williams. She remained at the scene. The accident happened at 7 p.m.

Moments later, a second vehicle hit the 15-year-old and took off. Officers did not share a description of the car or the driver. 

"It's horrible that happened but it doesn't really surprise me," said James Miller, who lives close to the accident site.

He said the intersection continues to be a major problem. On Oct. 6, a pedestrian was killed at the same intersection as Porterfield.

Monique Lee rides her bike through the crosswalk several times a day. Each time she feels like she is risking her life doing so.

"It’s very much like a Bermuda Triangle situation. When you cross it, you don’t know if you are going to make it," the Amityville resident explained.

Learning of the 15-year-old's death hit her hard.

"It shows the heartlessness of drivers, kind of makes you lose your sense in humanity or your faith in humanity to have a hit and run like that," she added.

Lee and other commuters News 12 spoke to thought better lighting, increased patrols and bike lanes could help make the intersection less dangerous.

If you have any information on the hit-and-run, Suffolk police ask that you contact them at 1-800-220-TIPS.